Martial arts training device

ABSTRACT

A device is provided for martial arts training. The device includes a mount and a board holder configured to hold at least one training board. The board holder is adapted to removably connect to the mount at a plurality of different heights. The mount includes a ladder portion connected to a pair of upstanding legs and the mount is foldable between a stored position and a working position.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/044,604, filed on Jun. 26, 2020, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a martial arts training and skilldevelopment device and, more particularly, to an adjustable androtatable board holder and support for use during martial arts training.

BACKGROUND

Martial arts training requires substantial practice, including thebreaking of boards by kicking or punching. Breaking boards is a commonpractice of martial artists throughout the world, especially in thefields of Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing and karate. It is a standard trainingexercise for both testing and recreation. In the past, in order topractice martial arts with boards, another person was required tomanually hold the board. Not only does the requirement of another personeliminate the possibility of solo practice, but a manual holder does notallow for desired consistency, i.e., the holder could use more or lessforce while holding the board or unconsciously pull away from theexpected strike.

To address the problems associated with manual board holding in martialarts training, there have been martial art training devices developedthat hold a board for solo practice. While these training devicesalleviate the need for a second person to train, they still suffer fromcertain drawbacks. For example, these devices typically either hold theboard in a single position or height, which is disadvantageous formartial artists desiring to practice breaking boards with punches andkicks, which are typically at different striking heights. Furthermore,even for the devices that are adjustable, the adjustability of thesedevices is quite limited, cumbersome and time-consuming.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved martial arts trainingdevice in the form of an adjustable board holder and support that allowsfor solo board training that overcomes the disadvantages known in theart.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a martial arts trainingdevice is provided. The martial arts training device includes a mountand a board holder configured to hold at least one training board,wherein the board holder is adapted to removably connect to the mount.

In one possible embodiment, the mount includes a ladder portionconnected to a pair of upstanding legs. Furthermore, the mount isfoldable between a stored position and a working position. The boardholder may include a plurality of hangers for connecting to the mount.The board holder may also include a plurality of gripping elements forsecuring the at least one training board. The plurality of grippingelements may include a top pair of teeth forming a plurality of groovesand a bottom pair of gripping teeth forming a plurality of correspondinggrooves. The plurality of gripping elements are configured to secure twoor more training boards. The board holder may include a plurality ofrubber guards positioned on a front portion of the board holder.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a martial artstraining apparatus for holding one or more training boards is provided.The apparatus includes a first part and a distinct second part. Thefirst part is removably connected to the second part for positioning ata plurality of different heights.

In one possible embodiment, the first part is configured to hold the oneor more training boards. The apparatus may include a camera forrecording images and/or a sensor for sensing strike force applied to theone or more training boards. The sensor may be an accelerometer. Theapparatus may also include a central processing unit connected to thesensor and/or the camera. The central processing unit is configured toprovide real-time feedback.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, a martial artstraining device is provided. The device includes a support apparatus anda board holder adapted to rotate such that the board holder connects tothe support apparatus in a first position and a second position.

In one possible embodiment, the board holder includes a substantiallyrectangular mount connected to a first upper arm, a second upper arm, afirst lower arm and a second lower arm. The board holder may alsoinclude a first V-shaped arm connecting the first upper arm to the firstlower arm and a second V-shaped arm connecting the second upper arm tothe second lower arm. A first elongated hanger may be positioned on anupper portion of the substantially rectangular mount, while a secondelongated hanger positioned on a side portion of the substantiallyrectangular mount. The board holder is rotatable from the first positionwherein the first elongated hanger is removably attached to the supportapparatus to the second position wherein the second elongated hanger isremovably attached to the support apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification, illustrate several aspects of this disclosure, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of thedisclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a martial arts training device forming oneaspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a board holder of the martial artstraining device forming one aspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away front view of the board holder of themartial arts training device forming one aspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the martial arts training device forming oneaspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a support or mount of the martial arts trainingdevice in an operating position forming one aspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a support or mount of the martial arts trainingdevice in a storage position forming one aspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a board holder of the martial artstraining device forming another aspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a board holder of the martial artstraining device forming another aspect of this disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a view of a central processing unit, force sensor and cameraassociated with the martial arts training device forming one aspect ofthis disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and likenumerals represent like details in the various figures. Also, it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process orother changes may be made without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by theappended claims and their equivalents. In accordance with thedisclosure, an improved martial arts training device or apparatus ishereinafter described.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-9, which are various views illustratingan improved martial arts training device 10. As perhaps best illustratedin FIG. 1, the martial arts training device 10 may include two distinctparts. The first part is the board holder 20 configured to hold a board200. The board may be an actual wooden board or a re-breakable trainingboard. The second part is the support or mount 30 configured to receivethe board holder at a plurality of different heights. The board holder20 is typically made of wood or some other rigid material. The supportor mount 30 may be made of a metal, such as steel or wood. Thus, theboard holder 20 and support 30 may be made of the same material or adifferent material. The board holder 20 is configured to be removablyconnected to the support 30 for ease in changing heights and disassemblypurposes. Alternatively, the device 10 may be used without the secondpart, wherein the board holder 20 may be removably connected to thewall. For example, the board holder 20 may utilize one or more hangersor hooks (discussed in more detail below) to a towel rack or the like.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the board holder 20 includes a front end 40configured to hold the board and a rear end 50 configured to hang on thesupport 30. Specifically, the rear end 50 includes two upstanding legs60, 70, which are connected by a pair of cross bars 80, 90, such thatthe rear end 50 has a rectangular shape. The upstanding legs 60, 70 arespaced apart and parallel to one another. These legs and cross bars arefastened together via nails or other fastening devices.

The back edge of the rear end 50 has a plurality of hooks or hangers 100positioned at or adjacent to each corner for attaching to the support30. Each of the hangers 100 is made of a rigid material, such as metaland have an inverted substantially J-shaped configuration to removablyattach to the support 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, thereare four hangers 100 fastened or screwed to a respective corner of therear end 50 and, in turn, firmly (yet removably) connect the boardholder 20 to the support 30 such that the board holder stays in placewhen repeatedly kicked or punched during training sessions.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, two elongated hangers arepositioned on a top rear edge and side rear edge, respectively.Specifically, a first elongated hanger 100 a extends substantially alongthe top rear edge of cross bar 90, while a second elongated hanger 100 bextends substantially along the side rear edge of upstanding leg 60 or70. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the board holder 20 may bepositioned such that in a first mode the first elongated hanger 100 amay be connected to the support 30. The board holder may be rotatedapproximately ninety degrees (90°) to a second mode, wherein the secondelongated hanger 100 b may be connected to the support 30. The purposeof rotating the board holder 20 is so that the re-breakable board may bebroken in both the horizontal as well as the vertical direction.Typically, side kicks and round kicks require a horizontal position ofthe board, i.e., first mode, while front kicks require a vertical boardorientation, i.e., second mode.

Turning to the front end 40 of the board holder (as perhaps bestillustrated in FIG. 2), two pairs of spaced apart parallel arms 110, 120extend horizontally from the rear end 50. Typically, each of these arms110, 120 are bolted to an inside portion of the upstanding legs 60, 70.With respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, a pair of V-shaped arms 290 may be addedto the board holder to provide further support and increased durabilityof the board holder. Specifically, a first V-shaped arm 290 connects thearms 110, 120 to the upstanding leg 60, while a second V-shaped arm 290connects the other arms 110, 120 to the upstanding leg 70.

Turning back to FIGS. 2-4 (as well as FIGS. 7 and 8), at the front faceof each of the spaced apart parallel arms 110, 120, a guard 130 isfastened to the elements via an adhesive or other suitable means. Theguard 130 is typically made of rubber or some other pliable materialthat provides some cushion to protect the martial artist from seriousinjury in the event the board holder 20 rather than the training boardis struck by the martial artist.

At the distal end of each of the lower spaced apart parallel arms 110, agripping element or device 140 is attached to a top edge of the arms. Atthe distal end of each of the upper spaced apart parallel arms 120, acorresponding gripping element or device 150 is attached to a bottomedge of the arms such that a bottom gripping device 140 faces acorresponding top gripping device 150 on each arm 110, 120. The grippingdevice 140 positioned on the lower two arms includes a plurality of(three are shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3) spaced apartteeth or spikes 160 pointing upward (in the first mode, i.e., in adirection parallel to the board) forming grooves 170 between the upwardfacing spikes 160. Conversely, the gripping device 150 positioned on theupper two arms includes a plurality of (again, three are shown in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3) spaced apart teeth or spikes 180pointing downward (in the first mode, i.e., in a direction parallel tothe board) forming grooves 190 between the downward facing spikes 180.It should be appreciated that in the second mode, i.e., when the boardholder is rotated, the spikes 160 would not be facing upward, but wouldbe facing either to the left or right (depending on the direction ofrotation) in a direction perpendicular to the board. Similarly, thespikes 180 would not be pointed downward, but would be facing either tothe left or right (depending on the direction of rotation and oppositeof the spikes 160) in a direction perpendicular to the board.

As discussed above, the board holder is capable of rotating, the spikesThe gripping devices 140, 150 are fastened by a screw or other fastenerto the arms and are designed to hold a training board 200 between thespikes 160, 180 (and within the grooves 170, 190). The gripping devices140, 150 are substantially flush with the corresponding rubber guards130.

The training board 200 may be natural wood and, thus, it is not reusableafter it is broken during training. Alternatively, the training board200 may be a re-breakable board that is designed to “break” in such away that it may be re-used. The training board 200 fits within thegrooves 170, 190 formed by the spikes 160, 180 in each corner of thearms. Accordingly, the training board 200 is firmly secured in fourdifferent spots of the board holder 20. As shown in the illustratedembodiment, when three spikes are used, two training boards may be usedwith the board holder 20. Of course, it should be appreciated thatadditional grooves may be utilized to hold more than two training boardsfor more experienced martial artists.

With reference to the support or mount 30 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6,it resembles a ladder-type apparatus that may be folded for easy storagewhen not in use. Specifically, the support 30 includes an optional base210. The base 210 is substantially rectangular. A ladder portion 220extends vertically from the base 210, wherein the ladder includes aplurality of steps 230. Advantageously, the board holder 20 may bepositioned on any the steps 230 via the hangers 100 such that thetraining board 200 may be easily adjusted to a plurality of differentheights. Near the top of the ladder portion 220, a pair of legs 240extend down to the ground at approximately a forty-five (45) degreeangle in a working or operating position as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thelegs 240 may be pinned or bolted around or near the top step 230 ^(T) ofthe ladder portion 220. Furthermore, a pair of cross arms 250 connect amiddle portion of the ladder portion 220 to the legs 240 via a pluralityof pins or other fasteners. As shown in FIG. 6, the pair of legs 240 maybe folded so that the support may be easily transported and stored.

In certain embodiments, the martial arts training device 10 may includeadditional elements to allow the martial artist to obtain data regardinghis/her training. For example, a camera 260 may be provided to capturestill images, motion capture and video of the martial arts training. Thecamera may take any form, such as a stand-alone camera or video cameraor a smart phone or tablet that is capable of taking photographs and/orvideo. In addition, a sensor 270 may be provided to sense the strikeforce being applied to the training board. The sensor may be any type offorce sensor, such as an accelerometer. The sensor may be attached tothe back of the rebreakable training board. The camera 260 and/or thesensor 270 may be connected (via a wired connection or wirelessly) to acentral processing unit 280, such as a computer. The central processingunit 280 may be physically attached to the support 30 or remotetherefrom. Advantageously, via the input from the camera 260 and thesensor 270, the central processing unit 280 may provide useful input tothe individual, such as allowing the individual to watch a video ofthemselves breaking a board in slow motion to improve their form andtechnique. Additionally, the individual may be able to see a graph ofthe force exerted throughout the breaking of the board.

The martial arts training device 10 disclosed herein offers a number ofadvantages. First of all, it allows for solo practice in board breakingas a training partner is not needed for holding the training board.Furthermore, the martial arts training device is easily adjustable to anumber of different heights such that the martial artist may practiceboth striking and kicking. The martial arts training device is alsoeasily rotatable to allow the martial artist to practice differentkicks, such as side and round kicks in a horizontal orientation of theboard and front kicks in a vertical orientation of the board.Importantly, the martial arts training device may be easily folded forease in storage and transportation. Finally, the camera, sensor andcentral processing unit allows the individual to obtain real-timefeedback of their training session.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. The embodiments described provide the best illustration ofthe inventive principles and their practical applications to therebyenable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosure invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A martial arts training device, comprising: a mount; and a boardholder configured to hold at least one training board, wherein the boardholder is adapted to removably connect to the mount.
 2. The martial artstraining device of claim 1, wherein the mount includes a ladder portionconnected to a pair of upstanding legs.
 3. The martial arts trainingdevice of claim 2, wherein the mount is foldable between a storedposition and a working position.
 4. The martial arts training device ofclaim 1, wherein the board holder includes a plurality of hangers forconnecting to the mount.
 5. The martial arts training device of claim 1,wherein the board holder includes a plurality of gripping elements forsecuring the at least one training board.
 6. The martial arts trainingdevice of claim 5, wherein the plurality of gripping elements includes atop pair of teeth forming a plurality of grooves and a bottom pair ofteeth forming a plurality of corresponding grooves.
 7. The martial artstraining device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gripping elementsis configured to secure two or more training boards.
 8. The martial artstraining device of claim 1, wherein the board holder includes aplurality of rubber guards positioned on a front portion of the boardholder.
 9. A martial arts training apparatus for holding one or moretraining boards, comprising: a first part; and a distinct second part,whereby the first part is removably connected to the second part forpositioning at a plurality of different heights.
 10. The martial artstraining apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first part is configured tohold the one or more training boards.
 11. The martial arts trainingapparatus of claim 9, further including a camera for recording images.12. The martial arts training apparatus of claim 11, further including asensor for sensing strike force applied to the one or more trainingboards.
 13. The martial arts training apparatus of claim 12, wherein thesensor is an accelerometer.
 14. The martial arts training apparatus ofclaim 12, further including a central processing unit connected to thesensor and/or the camera.
 15. The martial arts training apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the central processing unit is configured to providereal-time feedback.
 16. A martial arts training device, comprising: asupport apparatus; and a board holder adapted to rotate such that theboard holder connects to the support apparatus in a first position and asecond position.
 17. The martial arts training device of claim 16,wherein the board holder includes a substantially rectangular mountconnected to a first upper arm, a second upper arm, a first lower armand a second lower arm.
 18. The martial arts training device of claim17, wherein board holder includes a first V-shaped arm connecting thefirst upper arm to the first lower arm and a second V-shaped armconnecting the second upper arm to the second lower arm.
 19. The martialarts training device of claim 18, wherein a first elongated hanger ispositioned on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular mountand a second elongated hanger positioned on a side portion of thesubstantially rectangular mount.
 20. The martial arts training device ofclaim 19, wherein the board holder is rotatable from the first positionwherein the first elongated hanger is removably attached to the supportapparatus to the second position wherein the second elongated hanger isremovably attached to the support apparatus.